Underrated Places to Go Outdoors in the USA

If you ask me, one of the very best things about living in the United States is the unending list of incredible places to go outdoors. I like to think it’s one aspect of this country that everyone across the board can agree on. Whether you’re looking towards the coasts, climbing up mountains, wandering the desert, or simply enjoying the thoughtfully cultivated gardens and parks laid out by landscape architects of yore, there’s always somewhere full of nature and fresh air within driving distance, regardless of location.

While we have plenty of more famous places, such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Pikes Peak, among many other national parks, below are some underrated picks that you may miss if you don’t know where to look.

Underrated Places to Go Outdoors

1. The Biltmore Gardens in Asheville, NC

I know what you’re thinking. Yes, the Biltmore Estate is one of the most-visited places in America, and its French Renaissance design is instantly recognizable to anyone planning a trip to the South. However, how often do you see people discuss the equally impressive gardens that surround George Vanderbilt’s ambitious mountain escape?

To fully appreciate all 8,000 acres, let me preface this by saying that none other than Frederick Law Olmsted himself designed the gardens. As the father of American landscape architecture, Olmsted is responsible for the land in and surrounding some of the country’s most famous landmarks. Think Central Park, the U.S. Capitol building, Washington Park in Chicago, Stanford University in California, and many, many more.

The gardens at Biltmore Estate were his final project, and today they are still preserved with the same plants and designs Olmsted created almost a century ago. Escape the floods of visitors crowding through the mansion and opt for one of the hiking or biking trails instead. This way, you can peacefully enjoy the creations of one of our greatest landscape artists.

See more of the Biltmore Gardens in our “Asheville” episode

2. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic  State Park, Key West, FL

You may notice that for such a coastal location, Key West doesn’t exactly have much of a beach scene. This isn’t true; it’s just that the beach is a little bit of a local secret. On the southern edge of the city, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, also known as Fort Taylor, is situated.

The fort itself is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, particularly those with an interest in war history. It currently houses the largest Civil War armament in the entire world and has also seen soldiers through the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. If those red-brick walls could talk…

The beach in question is at the southern end. After you’ve explored Fort Taylor, head over to enjoy some sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. A bonus for scuba divers – you can see the new coral reef that Key West is building! Stay until sundown to enjoy one of the most glorious sunsets in Florida.

See more of Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park in our “Florida Keys” episode

3. Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, AL

While Huntsville is more known for its U.S. Space & Rocket Center, don’t miss the very charming Burritt on the Mountain while here.  This 167-acre space overlooks the city and allows you to see what life would have been like for farmers in the 1800s. Explore six different 19th-century homes and live enactors before hitting Burritt’s nature trails. This is a definite must in spring for the wildflowers or autumn for the colorful foliage!

See more of Burritt on the Mountain in our “Huntsville” episode

4. Letchworth & Autism Trail in the Genesee River Valley, NY

While Letchworth State Park is easily one of the most popular attractions in the Genesee River Valley, one trail within the park is particularly special – the Autism Nature Trail (ANT).

This mile-long loop is special because it’s the very first trail ever designed for people on the autism spectrum. The founders, with a 17-member panel and consultants like Temple Grandin, created multiple sensory-oriented stations for visitors to practice both balance and motor skills. The trail embodies a serene and gentle atmosphere that any visitor would appreciate.

Once you check out the rushing waterfalls of Letchworth, make your way to this trail and see which of the stations you like best.

See more of the Letchworth State Park in our “Genesee River Valley” episode

5. Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, TX

With 20 blocks of major art institutions, the Dallas Arts District is one of the largest art areas in the country. Within the district is Klyde Warren Park, a truly unique park as it’s built over an eight-lane recessed highway. Yes, you read that right. Dallas pretty much created something beautiful and enjoyable from something we associate so heavily with stress and burden.

Architect Jim Burnett designed the 5.2-acre park to feel as though you’re moving through “rooms,” so in all, you’ll find 15 major locations with everything from a Butterfly Garden to a Botanical Garden.

See more of Klyde Warren Park in our “Dallas” episode

6. Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest in Louisville, KY

Leave the racetracks and bourbon behind for a weekend afternoon and enjoy the beautiful Bernheim Forest. This giant forest was a gift to the state of Kentucky by Isaac W. Bernheim, who finally found his fortune here in bourbon distilling through the early 20th century. He specifically purchased this land so that people and nature could have a place to renew and restore their bond.

With 35 miles of trails and thoughtful art installations, you can really wander around and get into nature right near Louisville. Two installations you don’t want to miss are the Forest Giants in a Giant Forest by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and the 25-foot-tall Spirit Nest by artist Jayson Fann.

See more of Bernheim Forest in our “Louisville” episode

7. The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, NJ

The most obvious answer for what to do at the Jersey Shore is to, well, go to the shore. However, if you find yourself needing a break from the boardwalk and sand, visiting the salt marshes at The Wetlands Institute is one of the best alternative places to go outdoors.

The institute spans over 6,000 acres of wetland, and its primary mission is to educate visitors on the importance of preserving this area. You can do everything from strolling along the elevated walkway to riding through the marshes by boat or even trying your hand at paddle boarding and kayaking.

See more of the Wetlands Institute in our “Jersey Shore and More” episode

8. Mount Washington, NH

Pikes Peak and its cog railway over in Colorado Springs is easily one of the most-visited mountains in the entire world, but did you know the first cog railway in the U.S. was actually over in New Hampshire?

The Mount Washington Cog Railway was built back in 1868 and brings you up to the highest peak in the northeastern United States. The entire experience, including an hour to enjoy the summit, lasts around 3 hours and provides a comprehensive history of Mount Washington and the railway. For the best views, head over to the Adams Visitor Center.

You can, of course, also hike up instead of taking the cog railway. Be warned, though, it’s not for the faint of heart. After all, it’s been called the most dangerous hike in the U.S., the deadliest small mountain in the world, and home to the world’s worst weather. Even in the best of conditions, a hike will take at least 10 hours! If you were to ask me, I’d vote for the cog railway over the hike any day.

See more of Mount Washington in our “Lakes & Mountains of New Hampshire” episode

9. Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix proves that there’s more to the desert than sand and cacti, and is easily one of the coolest places to visit outdoors. With over 50,000+ desert plants and five different thematic trails, you can truly see just how diverse this arid landscape can be.

The garden originated in 1939, when locals recognized the need to make a more concerted effort to both conserve and preserve their desert environment. For the next eight decades, the community has worked to preserve and expand the garden, all in the name of both protecting the land and educating visitors on the magic of the desert.

See more of Desert Botanical Garden in our “Phoenix” episode

10. Fruit and Spice Park near Miami, FL

About 35 miles south of the beaches and clubs of Miami sits the incredible Fruit and Spice Park in Redland. Thanks to Florida’s more humid climate, this 37-acre ethnobotanical garden can house over 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs from around the world.

Fruit and Spice Park originated when Mary Calkins Heinlein persuaded Parks Director A.D. Barnes in 1935 to create a space showcasing Redland’s unique agricultural environment. With the help of landscape architect Lyman Philips, construction began in 1944 and has since evolved into the sprawling tropical paradise you can visit today.

One of the coolest parts about visiting this park is that you can eat any edible fallen fruit as you explore! And if you’re unsure whether the fruit is edible, please bring it to the Welcome Center for verification.

See more of Fruit and Spice Park in our “Miami” episode

11. Dale Ball Trails in Santa Fe, NM

Just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe is the Dale Ball Trails system, which offers paths suitable for both hiking and biking. Right at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are a total of 24.4 miles of trails that offer some of the most stunning views of the city.

See more of the Dale Ball Trails in our “Santa Fe” episode

12. Santa Fe National Forest, NM

Another great option near Santa Fe is the Aspen Vista Trail in Santa Fe National Forest. The whole forest covers over 1.6 million acres, but this is a trail that’s near and dear to my heart. When my career started taking off with “Great Hotels,” I found myself feeling incredibly overwhelmed. While driving to clear my head, I stumbled across this beautiful spot and wound up taking a long walk. As crazy as it sounds, I started talking to the trees. And they listened! They listened as I worked through my anxieties, and I found some of the best life coaches I’ve ever had. Every time I’m in Santa Fe, I return for a catch-up.

See more in my “25th Anniversary Special” episode

13. Rock City near Chattanooga, TN

Nowhere manages to merge whimsy, nostalgia, natural wonder, and adventure quite like Rocky City. Technically, it’s located in Georgia, mere minutes from downtown Chattanooga, and sits atop Lookout Mountain. Follow trails that’ll lead you to fairytale destinations and stunning rock formations. Don’t miss Lover’s Leap for some truly epic views and the chance to see seven states all at once!

See more of Rock City in our “Chattanooga” episode.

14. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, IL

Right near Collinsville, IL, sits Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Over 2,200 acres, you’ll find the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. This settlement in particular would have reached its peak over a thousand years ago when 10-20,000 people lived around the dozens of earthen mounds found today. Tour around the site and ponder what exactly would’ve made people begin to leave the area, and don’t skip climbing up Monk’s Mound (Mound 38)! It’s 100ft tall and the tallest of its kind in North America.

See more of Cahokia in our “Route 66, IL” episode.

15. Tualatin River, OR

Is there any city better than Portland, Oregon, for proximity to the great outdoors? They’ve got easy access to mountains, lakes, rivers, AND the coast. I loved kayaking along the Tualatin River Water Trail with Adventure Without Limits. Starting at Willamette Park, the entire river is approximately 80 miles long and is known for its slower, meandering pace. Perfect for a more relaxing kayaking experience. Take time to admire the surrounding wildlife as well.

See more of the Tualatin River in our “Portland” episode.

16. Tammany Trace Trail in Covington, LA

Bourbon Street starting to feel claustrophobic? Head out of New Orleans and across Lake Pontchartrain for the Tammany Trace Trail. Once part of the Illinois Central Railroad, it’s one of the main former railroads in the US, turned into a hiking and cycling trail. The whole trail connects five different communities in Northshore – Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell. Start off renting your bike from Brooks’ Bike Shop and take in a whole different side to Louisiana! Be sure to stop into Abita Brewing for a beer (or root beer!) to cool off.

See more in our “New Orleans” episode.

17. Shackleford Banks, North Carolina

A part of Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks has something the rest of the seashore doesn’t – wild horses! It’s not often I get to experience something for the first time, but believe it or not, this was my first time seeing these majestic creatures roaming free. The horses at Shackleford have lived there for over 400 years and have their organized society. Legend has it that they’re descended from the Iberian horses brought over by various Spanish explorers. Book a tour to see them for yourself by calling 252-728-2250.

18. Custer State Park, South Dakota

If you’ve ever skipped over South Dakota when you think about travel, think again. It’s known as “the land of infinite variety” for good reason, and Custer State Park is truly one of a kind. Stretching 71,000 acres, it’s located in a more remote section of the Black Hills region and feels like stepping into a world untouched by modern day. Check out all the creatures that roam the land freely – including some very impressive bison. Just make sure you stay a safe distance! Drive along the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway and squeeze your car through Needles Eye Tunnel before relaxing at Sylvan Lake.

See more in our “Black Hills of South Dakota” episode

19. Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, OK

At over 120 years old, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is Oklahoma’s oldest national park area and the perfect place for anyone near Oklahoma City to come and cool off in the summer. Approximately 90 minutes from the city, the recreation area features numerous campgrounds, trails, and swimming spots. A particularly cool spot is along Travertine Creek at Little Niagara. If you dare, jump over the small falls.

For more of Oklahoma, check out our “Route 66: Oklahoma – Texas” episode

20. Palo Duro Canyon in Amarillo, TX

Believe it or not, the second-largest canyon in the United States is right in Texas. Palo Duro Canyon stretches 120 miles long and 800 feet deep. With steep mesas and tall rock formations, it feels so unexpected for a state known for being pretty flat! There are a lot of ways to explore its 15,000 acres of trails, but a particularly special way is on horseback! Join the Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West at Los Cedros Ranch for an incredible ride through the canyon.

And there you have it – some truly underrated places to go outdoors all around the United States! I could keep going, but for now, I’ve narrowed it down to these eleven. Anything you’d add to this list?